Who Should I Start? Joe Mixon or Jaylen Warren

Saturday, July 26, 1:50 PM

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (foot), who started training camp on the Non-Football Injury list, is expected to be out for an extended period of time due to a frustrating foot injury, sources tell NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Mixon will be re-evaluated closer to the regular season to determine his availability, but it sounds as though last year's 1,000-yard rusher isn't a lock to be ready for Week 1 in early September. Dameon Pierce (undisclosed) is also on the PUP list, so Houston's backfield is pretty thin early in training camp. As things currently stand, Nick Chubb, who suffered a gruesome leg injury in 2023, is atop the depth chart, with rookie Woody Marks also set for a substantial role if both Mixon and Pierce aren't ready for the season opener. Mixon can do it all when healthy, but his health has now become an issue, and the Texans' shaky offensive line isn't a good combination.

Tuesday, August 5, 10:13 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was listed as the top running back on the team's initial preseason depth chart. Veteran Kenneth Gainwell is listed behind only Warren, while rookie Kaleb Johnson is the third back on the depth chart. Johnson has been struggling with pass coverage, according to reports, which could limit his role early in the season and give Warren and Gainwell a chance to dominate the workload. Warren has always been excellent in pass coverage and could benefit from Aaron Rodgers' tendency to check down to running backs. Johnson could still earn short-yardage and goal-line work as the preseason continues, but for now, Warren looks to be the clear frontrunner for work in the Steelers' backfield.